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Scotland

Most of the time, composing tasting notes for a single cask bottling by Wemyss Malts is pretty easy. Cause thankfully the family-owned independent bottler has a habit of picking very telling names for its whiskies that usually do the character of the associated spirit great justice. (more…)

When I reviewed the Ola Dubh 12 by Harviestoun Brewery earlier this year, I loved the beer but had to confess that I found it difficult to deduct exactly how the extra-maturation in Highland Park casks had influenced the ale. So this time I was a bit more foresightful. (more…)

When my girlfriend and I planned our recent Scotland trip, we did not know that there was a direct connection from Glasgow to Glengoyne, making the distillery as easy for us to reach as Auchentoshan (which we visited two days later). (more…)

For more than one reason, visiting Kilchoman Distillery was a mandatory item on my to-do list when I flew to Islay earlier this month. First, I have been a big fan of their whiskies ever since I attended their 10th Anniversary Tour in late 2015. (more…)

I still remember my first Laphroaig 10 – the dram that sparked my love for peated whisky. Back then, my palate was not used to such an uncommon taste and it felt as if someone had tapped the ash from their cigarette directly onto my tongue. (more…)

When I told Beam Suntory’s Brand Ambassador Gordon Dundas after his masterclass at BorderShop Whisky Festival that I had a trip to Islay planned, he had but one piece of advice for me: “Go and see Bowmore distillery. (more…)

When you think of the isle of Islay on the West coast of Scotland, the first things that come to your mind will probably be the heavily peated whiskies for which this fabled region is held in high esteem by whisky lovers across the globe. (more…)

The regular edition of the Spice Tree by London-based artisan blenders Compass Box is one mighty fine blended Scotch whisky with a wonderful flavor profile. Last year, the company headed by outside-the-box whisky maker John Glaser introduced a limited edition of said brand (more…)

When I went to Scotland for the first time in my life last year, I spent a few days in the beautiful city of Edinburgh. Whenever I made a reservation for a restaurant or any kind of tour and was asked for my name, I saw people writing Arran instead of Aaron. (more…)

In their catalogues and webstores, many whisky dealers call the Finlaggan Cask Strength a “mystery malt”. This is because the bottler, Vintage Malt Whisky, is not allowed to reveal much about this highly popular dram. (more…)